There are few moments in the outdoor world
more gratifying than helping a child catch that first fish.
Even the most cantankerous tournament fishermen seem to manage
a smile when they watch a youngster showing off that first
catch. Most every adult angler can recall participating in
an enjoyable family fishing outing, While the fish were likely
small, the memories are worth much more than any trophy on
the wall. Unfortunately, the busy lifestyle of today's family
doesn't permit enough of these treasured moments. Still, this
doesn't mean we should forget about fishing.
While it might require setting aside a planned weekend project,
we all need to make time to take our families fishing - if
only a few times each year.
Forget all the high-tech stuff for these family fishing trips.
A boat is not necessary. All that's needed is a minimum of
tackle and a supply of bait. Farm ponds, park district lakes
or any nearby fishing hole will suffice for these outings.
When young children are involved, it is best to limit the
trip to only a few hours. Even when the fishing is good, a
young child has a way of quickly losing interest.
Panfish are undoubtedly the best target when planning these
fishing trips. While they can sometimes be a bit finicky,
I've never met a bluegill that wasn't hungry.
Bluegill, redear and other types of panfish are always willing
to take a piece of worm, mealworm, cricket or any of the many
types of panfish delicacies. The real trick is finding the
fish.
During the spring and summer months, panfish are generally
found in reasonably shallow water. The best areas are close
to deeper water like creek channels. Some type of cover like
rocks, rip rap, submerged stumps or blow downs are ideal panfish
hangouts.
Sure, the kids are likely to hang up in the brush or rocks,
but that is part of fishing. While it is easier to set up
shop along a completely clean stretch of water, the fish probably
are not there.
Leave the baitcasting and spinning gear at home. It is always
best to keep the tackle simple. A simple spincast reel like
a Mitchell SC200 and a 5- 5 1/2 foot light or ultra-light
rod or an inexpensive cane pole will suffice. As a youngster,
I can still recall catching countless fish using nothing more
than a long cane pole, a piece of monofilament line, a tiny
hook and a piece of worm.
Six to eight-pound monofilament line Berkley Trilene XT is
ideal when fishing for panfish. The remainder of the fishing
arsenal should include a supply of small split shot sinkers,
a handful of #8 - #IO Aberdeen style hooks and a couple of
tiny bobbers.
Set the bobber so that the hook is floating only a few inches
off the bottom. The rest is up to the fish.
Generally the bite will come within a minute or two. If nothing
happens within five minutes, it's time to pull up stakes and
try another location.
Panfish usually congregate in groups or schools. Once you
catch one, you can just about bet that more are in the area.
All the activity of playing and landing a panfish might temporarily
spook the remainder of the school. Within a few minutes, however,
the remainder of the fish will usually return to the area.
The real key to a fun outing is to keep the experience lighthearted.
While it is nice to catch a stringer of fish, the important
thing is for everyone to return home with a limit of smiles.
And, there is one more important item to bring along. Be
sure to pack a camera to record these special moments.
